Senior receives Richard Lee Featherstone Endowed Prize

Michigan State University senior August Jenkins, of Detroit, was recently chosen as the 2016 recipient of the Richard Lee Featherstone Endowed Prize.

She’s studying psychology with minors in linguistics and cognitive science.

“I feel indredibly blessed and humbled to receive the Featherstone Prize,” Jenkins said. “I recognize this honor is a reflection of all of the guidance, support and prayers from numerous family members and mentors I have received.

“I am so happy to accept the 2016 Featherstone Prize because it will support me as I pursue a doctoral degree in human development and family studies at Pennsylvania State University. In my future research, I plan to study family and community prevention programs for minority populations. In the spirit of Dr. Richard Featherstone, I am motivated to provide the same support and encouragement to upcoming minority students that I have received.”

The $4,000 prize seeks to identify the most outstanding graduating senior and to grant an award, without limit or bounds, to be used for future growth and development, travel, graduate study or meditation.

The prize was created in 1986 by a group of MSU College of Education alumni to celebrate Featherstone’s life and contributions to scholarship, research and leadership. The award recipient must be an MSU senior who exhibits an open, curious, creative approach to education and ideas, as well as intellectual ingenuity. Additionally, the award recipient must demonstrate exceptional character and leadership in enriching the lives of others and a commitment to community service and lifelong learning.